Boqueria team continues London expansion

The team behind tapas restaurant La Boqueria is expanding its London presence with a new site recently opened in Battersea and a sherry bar to launch in the near future in the same neighbourhood.

The sherry bar is just being finalised, and will serve hams and cheeses alongside its sherry selection. Although the founders haven’t decided on a name yet, co-owner John Richmond told BigHospitality it could be a variation on La Boqueria.

Battersea Boqueria

The Battersea Boqueria, which opened at the end of May and was recently inaugurated by the ambassador of Spain in Great Britain Federico Trillo-Figueroa, is located in a former Barclays Bank building, and has kept some of its old features intact.

“The new site used to be a bank so we’ve kept some of the old features, such as the bank vaults, which we’re using as private dining areas,” added Richmond.

The 100-cover site differs from the brand’s first restaurant in Brixton by offering an all-day dining experience, from breakfast to dinner. Though similar, the menu includes new items such as churros with chocolate.

Interiors

“The menu is very similar, but the new restaurant is slightly more contemporary,” said Richmond.

The interior design was created by Spanish designer Erico Navazo, and combines tradition and modernity in line with the restaurant’s philosophy.

Boqueria’s first venue, which was opened by Richmond and business partner Jaime Armenter in February 2012, is located on Acre Lane, between Brixton and Clapham in south London. Catering for about 125 covers, it offers tapas dishes including ‘bunuelos bacalau’ (cod fritters), ‘canelones catalanes’ (aubergine cannelloni), as well as tortillas and croquetas.

Spanish tapas craze

Spanish tapas have been growing in popularity, with dedicated restaurants popping up all over the capital.

Toro Gordo has announced its first opening this month on King’s Street, Iberian ham supplier Enrique Tomas is set to launch a dine-in area in its new Soho location in  September, while pop-up specialist Mile High has chosen Andalucia as a culinary theme for this summer’s event.